Learn about the Central Bank of Nigeria’s new rules for banks.
This easy-to-understand guide covers changes to daily withdrawal limits and bank reporting rules.
Stay updated on how these changes might affect you.
New Guidelines from Central Bank of Nigeria for Deposit Money Banks: What You Need to Know
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently introduced an important set of guidelines for Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) pertaining to the operations of domiciliary bank accounts across Nigeria.
These rules are aimed at encouraging transparency, suppressing speculative activities, and promoting overall market stability.
The CBN’s directives, applicable to all commercial banks including notable names like Access, Zenith, and Guaranty Trust, are poised to lead to significant changes in Nigeria’s forex market.
More Power to Customers: Daily Withdrawals of Up To $10,000
DMBs are commercial banks authorized to accept customer deposits and provide a multitude of banking services under the CBN’s regulations.
In a noteworthy shift, the CBN has instructed DMBs to allow customers to withdraw as much as $10,000 daily from their domiciliary accounts.
Previously, the withdrawal limit from domiciliary accounts was $10,000 per month.
The increased daily withdrawal limit signifies a shift toward encouraging more Nigerians to utilize official channels for forex transactions, thereby enhancing liquidity and transparency in the foreign exchange market.
CBN’s Policy Changes: Aiming for Transparency, Liquidity, and Stability
In a released statement, the CBN clarified that the rationale behind these policy alterations is to bolster transparency, liquidity, and price discovery in the FX market.
The ultimate goals are increasing FX supply, curbing speculation, boosting customer confidence, and fostering stability in the FX market.
Key Takeaways from the CBN’s New Directives
Let’s delve into the CBN’s new guidelines regarding domiciliary accounts:
- Domiciliary account holders can now access their funds without any constraints.
- Account holders can use cash deposits of up to USD$10,000 per day or its equivalent amount via telegraphic transfer.
- DMBs are required to submit detailed reports to the CBN, specifying the purpose of such transactions.
- Cash deposits into domiciliary accounts are unrestricted, provided that DMBs adhere to proper Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, exercise due diligence, and abide by Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) laws and regulations.
This comprehensive table summarizes the key elements:
| Directive Details | Implication |
|---|---|
| Unrestricted access to funds in domiciliary accounts | More control for customers |
| Daily utilization of cash deposits up to USD$10,000 | Greater flexibility for high-frequency transactions |
| Requirement for DMBs to provide returns to the CBN | Enhanced transparency and regulation adherence |
| Adherence to KYC, AML, and CFT rules and regulations | Prevention of illicit financial activities |
The CBN’s latest directives signify a strategic move toward ensuring transparency, enhancing liquidity, and fostering stability in the foreign exchange market.
By easing withdrawal limits and ensuring proper regulatory compliance, the CBN seeks to encourage more Nigerians to opt for official channels for forex transactions, consequently increasing overall market confidence and stability.
As the new guidelines come into effect, Nigerians are advised to acquaint themselves with these changes and understand how they affect their banking transactions.
All DMBs are expected to comply and adapt their banking operations in line with these guidelines.
By doing so, they will not only contribute to the health of Nigeria’s financial market but also improve their customers’ banking experience.